About
Dr. Theresa Garcia earned her medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia in 1999 and completed her residency at Truman Lakewood Family Medicine. She holds board certification in Family Medicine, earned in 2002, and carries the FAAFP designation. She also holds board certification in Obesity Medicine through the DABOM credential. Known throughout the practice as Dr. Tess, she brings more than 20 years of clinical experience to every patient encounter.
Before medicine, Dr. Theresa Garcia taught music. That background informs the patience and attentiveness she brings to care. She is Mexican American and Native American, and she views medicine as a healing ceremony rooted in those traditions. She speaks both English and Spanish and holds a particular dedication to veterans and military families, a commitment she carries in honor of her father, Colonel John L. Garcia. Dr. Garcia personally lost 70 to 80 pounds using the same weight management program she offers patients. She is an FMCSA-certified medical examiner listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. Her clinical focus spans obesity medicine, chronic disease management, women's health, mental health, opioid-free pain management, and pelvic health. She does not prescribe controlled substances, including opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants, or Suboxone.
Education & Training
Medical School
Medical College of Virginia (1999)
Residency
Truman Lakewood Family Medicine Residency
Certifications
Languages
English, Spanish
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Garcia right for?
Dr. Tess is a strong fit for adults seeking a primary care physician who treats root causes rather than symptoms alone. Patients managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, or chronic pain benefit from her dual expertise in Family and Obesity Medicine. She serves veterans, military families, and Spanish-speaking patients with particular dedication. Adults navigating mental health concerns alongside physical health challenges will find her integrated approach valuable. Patients who want same-day access and a direct line to their physician will feel at home in her practice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Tess treats a wide range of conditions including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, thyroid disorders, COPD, depression, anxiety, and ADHD. She also manages chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, sciatica, and diabetic neuropathy. Her scope includes women's health, urinary incontinence, pelvic floor weakness, and erectile dysfunction.
Yes. Dr. Tess holds board certification in Family Medicine, earned in 2002, and board certification in Obesity Medicine through the DABOM credential. She also carries the FAAFP designation from the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Dr. Tess earned her MD from the Medical College of Virginia in 1999. She completed her Family Medicine residency at Truman Lakewood Family Medicine. She has practiced medicine for more than 20 years since completing that training.
No. Dr. Tess does not prescribe opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants, or Suboxone. She manages chronic pain through a multi-modal, opioid-free approach that combines non-opioid medications, lifestyle modifications, and therapeutic strategies.
Yes. Dr. Tess conducts visits in both English and Spanish. She is Mexican American and Native American, and she brings deep cultural understanding to her care.
Dr. Tess integrates mental health care directly into primary care. She performs mental health evaluations and manages non-controlled psychiatric medications for conditions including depression, anxiety, and ADHD. She does not refer patients elsewhere for these services when she can address them herself.
Yes. Dr. Tess is board-certified in Obesity Medicine and personally lost 70 to 80 pounds using the same evidence-based program she offers patients. She supervises a structured medical weight management program with body composition analysis and ongoing clinical support.
Yes. Dr. Tess is an FMCSA-certified medical examiner listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. She provides same-day DOT physical examinations for commercial drivers at the Blue Springs office.
Dr. Tess treats the whole patient: spirit, body, and soul. She focuses on root causes rather than symptom management alone. She brings a faith-based, non-judgmental approach to every visit and maintains a small panel so she can give each patient genuine time and attention.
Yes. Dr. Tess holds a deep dedication to veterans and military families. She named Garcia Family Medicine in honor of her father, Colonel John L. S. Army. She welcomes veterans as patients and understands the unique health challenges they face.
Doctor profile last updated June 8, 2026